Dozens of kids withdrawn from 'toxic' North Lanarkshire schools over summer

As the new term begins this morning, parents in North Lanarkshire are telling Clyde News about the difficult decisions they have made over summer not to send their kids back to school in the area.

Parents are worried about copper in the water and toxic gasses leaking from the ground at St Ambrose or Buchanan High in Coatbridge - despite an independent investigation declaring it safe.

Dozens have decided not to return this term and have had their kids moved to schools in neighbouring local authorities.

Lisa McCormack has moved both her children said: "The decision was easy but the trauma it's caused for the family and especially the children has been really, really difficult. We love the school itself, it is the building we don't trust and the kids are going to miss their friends and teachers.

"That's really, really heartbreaking but at the end of the day I need to weigh is up against their future health and is a bit of turmoil just now to make sure their safe worth it? Yes I think it is.

"They understand the reasons why we are doing what we are doing and if you were to ask them today do you want to go to St Ambrose or do you want to go to your new school they would say the new school because they're actually too scared now to go back to St Ambrose."

It comes as small number of pupils at Buchanan High who want to return today have been told they cannot, because of an on-going teachers strike.

Members of the NASUWT union have walked out over the contamination fears.

The local authority says the pupils have additional support needs and it would be unsafe for them to begin the new term without adequate staffing.

Derek Brown, executive director of education and families at North Lanarkshire Council, said: “We are pleased that the independent review found that the schools and campus were safe and that there was no connection between the schools and any illness.

“Despite positive discussions with NASUWT officials, where the council was able to answer a number of questions, the union has been unable to confirm that their members will return to work in time for the return of pupils. That is regrettable.

“The council will never take risks with pupil safety. While there will be a limited impact for St Ambrose High School, we are able to provide education for all pupils. For Buchanan High School, the needs of the pupils are such that we have carried out detailed individual assessments, based on each pupil’s specific needs.

“As a result of those assessments, a very small number of pupils will be unable to attend Buchanan High School for the first day of term. We fully understand the impact on those pupils and their parents and are sorry they find themselves in this position.

“During our discussions with NASUWT we listened to the concerns expressed by their members. We reiterated the central findings of the independent review about the safety of the schools. We also reinforced our commitment to implementing all of the review recommendations quickly. We welcome the positive spirit in which these talks were carried out and look forward to further discussions over the next 24 hours.

“I would also like to place on record the council’s appreciation of staff, parents and pupils during what has been a difficult time for these schools. The council is determined to move on positively and collaboratively and we look forward to doing so.

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